Maha Bharat - Aranya Parva - Seventh Chapter

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Maha Bharat

Aranya Parva

Seventh Chapter

(Written by Yerra Praggada).

 

 

In Naimisharanya, Ugrasravasu (sooti) son of Roma harshana

continued to tell the story of Mahabharat, as told by Saint

Vaisampaayana to King Janamejaya, to Saint Sounaka and other sages

and saints.

 

In Kishkandha, Sugreeva was enjoying royal pleasures while

Rama and Lakshmana were spending time in a cave in Malyavanta

mountain. The winter season was over. There was no response from

Sugreeva.

 

" Lakshmana! Sugreeva might have forgotten us and spending a

luxurious life. You proceed to Kishkandha and remind him about us.

If he has done any arrangements to make a search for Sita, bring him

here. Otherwise, kill him. " ordered Rama.

Accordingly, Lakshmana went to Kishkandha and informed Sugreeva

about the intention of Rama. Sugreeva shivered.

 

" Lakshmana! I am not such a foolish fellow to forget the word given

to Rama. I have already sent Vanaras to all sides with specific

instructions to return back within one month. Still there is five

days time for their return. Soon after I get any information about

Sita, I will myself come to Rama and inform him. " said Sugreeva.

 

Lakshmana satisfied with his reply. Lakshmana along with Sugreeva

went to Rama and informed him what had happened. Rama also satisfied

with the reply given by Sugreeva.

 

All the Vanaras went to all sides returned with empty hands except

those who went to southern side. One month time given by Sugreega

expired. Still there is no response from southern side.

 

One day, Sugreeva received information that Angada, Hanumanta and

other Vanaras. who were sent to southern side, were spoiling the

garden called Madhuvan, eating the fruits, breaking the branches and

jumping on the trees in a joyous mood. Sugreeva thought that they

might have got some useful information about Sita. He sent for them.

 

Angada, Hanumanta and others stood before Rama and Sugreeva. On

behalf of all, Hanuman told thus:

" Rama, Sugreeva, we have all gone towards south and found Sita. I

will tell everything in detail. While we were searching, we found a

big cave. We entered the cave and proceeded further. We reached

Malaya Hill on the sea shore. None of us could jump over the sea

and reach the otherside. Whie we were discussing amongst us what to

do, one big bird overheard the name of Jataayuvu, in our

conversation.

 

" Kindly tell me who are you. You are talking about Jatayuvu. He is

my brother. My name is Sampati. Once myself and Jatayuvu flew upto

Sun. My wings were burnt away and I fell down here. Since then, I am

staying here. Kindly tell me if you know anything about my brother,

Jatayuvu. " asked Sampati.

 

Then I told Sampati about Ravana abducting Sita and the attack of

Jatayuvu and also about Ravana killing Jatayuvu. He felt sad about

the death of his brother Jatayuvu.

 

" I know about Ravana. He is a Rakshasa. At a distance of 100

Yojanas, there is a City called Lanka. Ravana is the Ruler of Lanka.

You may find Sita in Lanka " said Sampati.

 

In fact, none of us are capable of jumping over the sea and

reach Lanka. But with the grace of my father, Vayu Deva, I could

get that strength. I jumped over the sea and reached Lanka. I

searched for Sita at several places and found her in a garden called

Ashoka Vana. I introduced myself to Sita told her about your

welfare, and also about your friendship with Sugreeva.

 

At the inception she did not believe my words. I told her that I

am not Rakshasa. After some time, she told me " Hanuma, Rakshasas

are moving in so many forms. Hence I suspected you. One Rakshasa

Lady, Trijata also told me about Sugreeva, the king of Vanaras. I

trust you. Please take this ornament and give it to Rama. On my

behalf, kindly request Rama to come over to Lanka and take me away

with the help of Sugreeva. " Sita told me with tears in her eyes.

Sita also told me about the incident of a miracle crow happened on

ChitrakooTa mountain. Hanuma gave the ornament given my Sita to

Rama. Rama hugged it to his heart.

 

" Sugreeva! please make arrangements to proceed to Lanka and rescue

Sita. " said Rama Sugreeva sent word to all the Vanaras on the

earth. Vanaras were flooding to Kishkindha in thousands and lakhs.

Vanara warriors viz, Gavaya,Gaja, Kumuda,Sushena arrived Kishkindha

with crores of Vanaras. Jambavanta, a bear, arrived with his army.

 

On an auspicious day, Rama, Lakshmana, Sugreeva, Angada, Hanuma,

Jambavanta along with their army proceeded towards Lanka. Hanuma was

the Chief of Army. Angada, Neela, Nala were helping him. The entire

army reached the sea shore.

 

" Sugreeva find out a way to cross the sea with this mighty army "

asked Rama. Some suggested to fabricate small boats to cross the sea.

 

" It is of no use. Our army is mighty and innumerable. It is not

possible to fabricate such huge number of boats. Besides that,

while we were crossing the sea on boats, our enemies never keep

quiet. They will drown us in the sea. I will tell you another plan.

I will worship the sea god, Sagara. Without the help of sea we

cannot do anything. If the sea does not come down to help us, I will

dry up the sea with my arrows " said Rama.

 

Rama began to worship Sagara with utmost devotion. Sagara (sea god)

came down to Rama.

 

" Sagara! You have to give way for us to cross the sea " requested

Rama.

 

" Rama! I will never cause any obstruction to you and your army

while crossing the sea. Today, if I give way to you, tomorrow every

person by using his power and strenngth, will try to subdue me and

demand me to give way to the otherside. In your army, there is one

vanara called Nala. He is an engineer and architect. With his help,

you can build one bringe on the sea. I will manage that every stone

thrown by him in the sea will float on the water. " said the sea

god.

 

Rama called Neela and ordered him to construct a Setu (bridge) over

the sea. Nala constructed a Setu measuring 100 Yojanas long and

ten yojanas wide.

 

In the meanwhile differences arose between Ravana and his brother

Vibheeshana. Vibheeshana was exiled from Lanka. He came to Rama and

sought his refuge. Rama promised to help him.

 

Rama, Lakshmana, Sugreeva and the entire Vanara Army crossed the

sea over the bridge constructed by Nala and reached the City of

Lanka. Sree Rama went up the Chitrakoota hill and gave directions to

the army to erect Army Tents around the City of Lanka on four sides.

 

Suka and Saarana, the spies of Ravana, in disguise as Vanaras,

mingled in Vanara army and collected all the vanara army secrets.

Vibheeshana identified them as spies and caught them. Rama excused

them and sent them back to Lanka.

 

Suka and Sarana went to Lanka and informed Ravana about the mighty

army of Rama and it was highly difficult to conquer Rama. Ravana

made all arrangements to protect Lanka from the invasion.

 

Rama sent Angada son of Vali, to Ravana, as emissary, for

requesting Ravana to send back Sita to Rama with apoligies.

 

Angada went to Lanka, met Ravana in his Court, and said: " Ravana!

Rama asked me to inform you like this:

 

'You killed many sages and saints who were performing Tapassu in

forests. You brought several divine ladies as hostages. You have

committed several atrocities. You have abducted my wife Sita and

committed a great blunder. Only two options are left to you.

Surrender Sita to me with apoligies or meet me in the war front.

There is no other way. You are not afraid of human beings. But I

will reduce the strength of Rakshasas to nothing. Take care " said

Angada on behalf of Rama.

 

At the instigation of Ravana, some Rakshasas tried to catch

Angada. But Angada jumped on them, killed them and ran away. He

went back to Rama and told him what had happened. Sri Rama declared

war on Ravana. The Vanara Army surrounded the city of Lanka and

drove away the guards of Lanka. Ravana also sent his army to fight

with Vanaras. Rama and Lakshmana also entered the war. There was a

big fight between Vanara army and Rakshasa army.

 

Rakshasa army was indulging in miracle war. Now Vibheeshana, who is

wellversed and an expert in miracle war, entered the war front and

killed all raakshasas. Rakshasas informed Ravana about the fighting

of Vibheeshana. Now Ravana himself entered the war. There was a war

between Rama and Ravana.

 

Lakshmana attacked Indrajit, son of Ravana, with powerful arrows.

Unable to control Rama's arrows, Ravana returned back to Lanka.

Ravana sent another hero Prahasta to war. Vibheeshana killed

Prahasta with his Sakti. Dhumraksha replaced Prahasta. Hanumanta

attacked Dhumraksha. Rakshasas could not stand before Hanuman and

fled away. Hanuman killed Dumraksha. Ravana was very unhappy on

hearing that Prahasta and Dumraksha died in war.

 

He ordered to wake up Kumbhakarna who was in deep sleep by blowing

horns, beating trumpets, etc. Kumbha karna woke. Ravana said to

Kumbhakarna.

 

" You are having a sound sleep. I am striken with all woes. I

abducted one Sita, wife of Rama son of Dasaradha. Rama came upon me

with Vanara army. Our heroes Prahasta and Dhoomraaksha were killed

in war. Hence it is time for you to enter the war field. Vajra Vega

and Pramasha will be by your side " said Ravana.

 

Kumbhakarna immediately went to the war field. On seeing the huge

and fiercest personality of Kumbhakarna, vanaras were frightened.

Kumbha Karna was proceeding towards Rama and Lakshmana. Vanaras made

a vain attempt to stop Kumbha Karna. Lakshmana hit Kumbha karna with

his powerful arrows. Lakshmana cut the two hands of Kumbha karna.

Four hands were generated. Again Lakshmana cut his four hands.

Again he got the same hands. Lakshmana launched Brahmaastra to kill

Kumbha Karna. Kumbha Karna was killed by Lakshmana.

Then Vajra Vega and Pramadhi came upon Lakshmana. Hanumanta and

Neela hurled two hills on Vajra Vega and Pramadhi and killed both of

them. On hearing that Kumbha Karna, Vajra Vega and Pramadhi were

killed, Ravana was in distressed mood.

 

At that time Megha Nadha (also called Indrajit) son of Ravana,

told Ravana " Kindly send me to the war field. I will catch Rama and

Ravana and bring them before you. " said Indrajit. Ravana was very

happy and blessed his son.

 

Indrajit entered the war field. He attacked Lakshmana. Both were

fighting. Angada hurled a big tree towards Indrajit and killed his

chariot driver. Indrajit flew away into the sky. Indrajit began to

fight from sky invisibly. Rama and Lakshmana hit Indrajit with

Sabdavedi arrows but in vain. Indrajit launched Naagaastra and tied

Rama and Lakshmana with Nagaastra. Both Rama and Lakshmana fainted.

Sugreeva, Sushena, Jambanata and other Vanaras were sitting around

Rama and Lakshmana in grief. Vibheeshana arrived there He launched

Brahmaastra and and rescued Lakshmana. Rama and Lakshmana gained

consciousness. Sugreeva applied Visalya Karani and removed all the

poisonous remains from the bodies of Rama and Lakshmana.

 

In the meanwhile, Kubera, through one Svetha, sent some miracle

water. " Rama and Lakshmana, Kubera sent some miracle water. If you

wash your eyes with that water, Indrajit will be visible to you "

said Vibheeshana. Rama and Lakshmana appied that water to their

eyes. They could see Indrajit fighting in the sky. Lakshmana

attacked Indrajit and cut his two hands with arrows and cut his head

with a spear. Indrajit fell on the ground and died.

 

On hearing the news about his son's death, Ravana could not control

his grief. He thought that Sita was the root cause for all this. He

took out a long knife and went to Asoka Vana to kill Sita.

 

Avindhya, the old Rakshasa stopped him. " Ravana! You are a valiant

hero. You conquered Indra. It is not proper for such a hero to kill

an ordinary lady. It is shameful. If you are so powerful, you can

attack Rama and win the war. By killing an ordinary woman you will

not get any fame. " said Avindhya.

 

Ravana became wise. He went to the war field to attack Rama. War

between Rama and Ravana began. Indra sent his divine chariot,

Vaijayanti along with the chariot driver Matali to Rama.

 

" Rama! Indra by using this chariot, conquered all the demons in

Deva Danava war. You also use this chariot and kill your enemies. "

said Matali.

 

Sri Rama boarded that chariot. Matali was driving the chariot. Rama

killed Ravana with Brahmaastra. The entire universe was very happy.

 

Avindhya, followed by Vibheeshana, brought Sita and handed over to

Rama. Rama looked at Sita.

 

" O Sita! it is not just and proper on my part to take back my

wife, Sita who was in the custody of my enemy for a pretty long

time. I killed Ravana only to wreak vengeance and also for his

misdeeds but not for your sake. Either you may be chaste or

unchaste, I cannot take you back. You can go anywhere you like. "

told Rama.

 

Unable to hear those words, Sita fell on the ground. " O Rama! I will

enter the sacred fire and prove my chastity. Please permit me "

requested Sita.

 

With the permission of Rama, Sita entered sacred fire. The five

elements, Earth, Fire, space, water and wind spoke with one

voice " Rama! Sita is chaste and virtuous. You need not suspect her.

We were around her all the time. We know the truth. "

 

In the meanwhile, Brahma and other divine bodies arrived

there. " Rama! You killed Ravana and rendered great help to mankind.

Ravana was cursed by Nalakoobara if Ravana touches any lady against

her wish, his head will be broken. Hence Ravana could not and did

not touch Sita. You can receive her without any suspicion in your

mind " said Brahma.

 

Brahma restored life to all the Vanaras who were killed in war and

went away. Matali along with his chariot, Vaijayanti, went back to

Devaloaka. Rama along with Sita and Lakshna went back to Ayodhya on

Pushpaka.

 

O Dharmaja! Like you, Rama also experienced many woes in the

forests and at last got back his king dom and was very happy. On

completion of 13 years, you also will get back your king dom " said

Saint Markandeya, the story of Rama.

 

On hearing the story of Rama and Sita with great devotion, Dharmaja

praised the heroism of Rama and devotion of Sita towards her

husband.

 

" O saint Markandeya! are there any other virtuous ladies who were so

devotional towards to their husbands. " asked Dharmaja.

 

Saint Markandeya began to tell the story of Savitri and Satyavanta

to Dharmaja.

 

" In the ancient past, King Aswapati was ruling Madra Kingdom. He had

no children. He worshipped Deity Savitree Devi for eighteen years

with great devotion. Deity Savitri appeared before me and asked him

to choose whatever he wants. King Aswapati humbly requested for a

son. But Deity Savitri blessed him with a girl. Aswapati was

dissatisfied.

 

" O mother Savitri! I worshipped you with great devotion. You have

come. You should fulfil my wish. " requested Aswapati.

 

" O King Aswapati! I discussed your matter with Lord Brahma. But he

blessed you with a daughter. His decision is final. But you will

beget 100 sons later. Be happy " so saying Deity Savitri Devi

disappeared.

 

Later, King Aswapati begot a child. Aswapati named her as Savitri.

After attaining marriageable age, King Aswapati was making

arrangements to perform her marriage. But Savitri heard through her

friends and others about Satyavanta son of Dyumatsena, king of

Saalva Kingdom. Satyavanta was so handsome and virtuous youth.

Savitri fell in love with him but due to shyness she did not express

her love before others.

 

One day Saint Narada came down to King Aswapati. Savitri also

bowed before him and stood by the side of her father.

 

" O King Asvapati! Why have you not performed the marriage of your

daughter Savitri sofar? " asked Narada

 

Asvapati looked at his daughter. " Have you heard what Saint says?

You choose any youth whom you wish. I will perform the marriage "

said Asvapati.

 

" I heard about one youth, Satyavanta son of Salva King. I fixed him

as my husband. Kindly perform my marriage with him. King Salva was

exiled from his kingdom by his enemies and he is now living in

forests. Still I will marry his son, Satyavanta " said Savitri.

 

King Aswapati enquired Saint Narada about the antecedents of

Satyavanta.

" O King Asvapati! as he always speaks truth, he is called as

Satyavanta. His original name was TraaSva. He is equivalent to

Bruhaspati in wisdom. In vigour and valour he excels Devendra. He

shines more than moon. He worships Brahmins. But there is one

unpleasant thing in his life. He will die one year after his

marriage. Because I know this fact, I am telling you. You can do

whatever you like " said Narada.

 

King Asvapati was very much annoyed " See, my daughter! Satyavanta's

life is very short. Kindly choose another king. " said Asvapati.

 

" Mind is greatest of all. I loved Satyavanta in my mind. Whatever it

may be, I will marry him and face the consequences. " said Savitri

with firm voice.

 

" O King Asvapati! your daughter is a virtuous lady. Her desire is

irrevocable. Perform her marriage with Satyavanta. As a result of

her acquiring Punya, Satyavanta may be immortal " said Narada and

went away.

 

Accordingly Asvapati, along with his daughter Savitri went to

Dyumatsena who was living in forests.

 

" King Dyumatsena! she is my daughter, Savitri, an educated and

virtuous lady. She wants to marry your son, Satyavanta. Kindly

receive her as your daughter-in-law " requested Asvapati.

 

" King Asvapati! we lost our kingdom and now living in forests. You

daughter is a princess. How can she live in forests along with us. "

said Dyumatsena.

 

" O king Dyumatsena! All these riches and pleasures are not eternal.

Today they will be with us. Tomorrow they will vanish. We should not

worry for the sake of such riches. My daughter is not a kid. She

took this decision after thinking for a long time. Please dont

reject our offer " requested Asvapati.

 

Dyumatsena could not say " No " . The marriage of Savitri and Satya

vanta was performed. Savitri was serving her husband with greatest

devotion. One year elapsed. Four days were left. Savitri observed

Deeksha.

 

On the last day, she worshipped Deity Savitri. She served her

husband and mother in law and father in law. Satyavanta told her

that he was going into forest to fetch some fruits and fuel. Savitri

followed him to forest.

 

After plucking some fruits, Satyavanta was cutting a dried tree

for fuel. He felt some headache. He sat under the tree. Savitri put

his head on her lap and serving him. Satyavanta lost consciousness.

 

Before Savitri, a mighty huge black divine personality, with a long

rope in his hand, appeared.

 

" Oh Divine Personality! Who are you? " asked Savitri.

" My name is Yama Dharma Raja. As you are a virtuous lady

worshipping your husband with great devotion, you could see me. I am

invisible to others. The life of your husband, Satyavanta came to an

end. I have come to take off his life. " so saying Yama hurled his

rope towards Satyavanta and dragged his life through the rope and

was proceeing towards south.

 

Savitri preserved and concealed the body of her husband in a shrub.

She followed Yamadharma Raja in the same path as he was proceeding.

 

Yama looked at Savitri. " Why you are following me? Stop. Dont

proceed. Go back. You cannot come along with me " said Yama.

 

" O Yama! The duty of a virtuous lady is to follow her husband. It

is dharma. With your blessings and with my devotion towards my

husband, is there any place where I cannot enter. In all paths,

Dharma is highest. Virtuous people are the roots of Dharma. You are

such a virtuous personality. I got your blessings. I should get all

good things in my life. Without getting anything, how can I go

back? " said Savitri.

 

Yama wondered about talking " Oh Savitri I am very much admired

about your talking. Choose anything except your husband's life. "

said Yama.

 

" My father in law has no eye sight. Kindly restore his eye sight "

asked Savitri.

" It will be done. Now you can go back " said Yama. But Savitri

followed Yama.

 

" O Yama! through mind, speech and deeds, not causing harm to

others, showing kindness towards others, giving out moneys in

charity, respecting elders are arya dharmas. You are embodiment of

dharma. There is nothing not known to you. You are equal towards

all. Hence you are called " Samavarti " . " praised Savitri.

 

Yama was very much admired. " Savitri! your words are sweet and

excellent. Again choose one more boon except your husband's life "

said Yama.

 

" O Yamadharma Raja! The kingdom of my father in law was invaded by

enemies. Kindly restore his kingdom. " asked Savitri.

 

" Savitri! your desire will be fulfilled. Now you can go back " said

Yama and began to proceed further. Still, Savitri did not leave him.

She continued to follow Yama.

 

" O Yama Dharma Raja! as you are well aware, virtuous people will

never leave their virtues in any great calamities and hardships.

They will not have any illusion. Therefore, even in these

circumstances, how can I leave my husband . It is not just and

proper on my part as I have to follow Dharma " said Savitri.

 

" O Savitri! I am very much satisfied with your devotion towards

your husband. Choose one more except your husband's life " said Yama.

 

" My father has no sons. Bless him with hundred sons " asked Savitri.

 

" Sure he will get one hundred sons. Atleast even now go back. You

are very much tired. You cannot proceed further " said Yama

 

O Yama! for a virtuous lady, serving her husband with utmost

devotion is her utmost duty. How can I get tired? Virtuous persons

who are peforming Dharma are very rare. With their performance of

Dharma, Sun and Moon are moving with great discipline. If we speak

seven words with anybody, they are our friends and relatives. I have

so far spoken many words with you. Now you are my relative. You must

fulfil my desire. " said Savitri.

 

" I am very much satisfied with your lovely words. Choose whatever

you like " said Yama forgetting to add the suffix " except your

husband'slife " .

 

Savitri took advantage of that situation. " O Yama dharma rajaa, so

far you are saying " except your husband's life. " This time you did

not tell. Now I will choose whatever I like. Without husband, the

life of wife is useless and horrible. She will not be called to any

auspicious functions. Hence, restore my husband's life imemdiately.

This is my final desire " said Savitri.

Yamadharma Raja was very much admired with her tactness

talkativeness. " I am restoring your husband's life He will live for

four hundred years with great name and fame. Through him, you will

beget one hundred sons. " Yama went away.

 

Savitri was very happy. Hurriedly she returned back to the place

where she kept her husband's body. She kept her husband's head on

her lap and prayed Yama. After some time, Satyavanta woke up as if

he was waking from sleep.

 

" What Savitri! What happened to me. I slept for long time. You

might have woken me up. In my sleep there was a dream in which I was

dragged by some one. Is it true? " asked Satyavanta.

 

" I will tell you everything later. Now it is too late Your father

and mother might be worrying about us. Let us go back to our home "

said Savitri. Both of them went back to their Ashram by which time

his father, Dyumatsena's eye sight was restored. He could his son

and daughter in law.

 

" O my son and daughter-in-law! Where are you for such a long time

after sun-set? " asked Dyumatsena.

 

Satyavanta told his father about his headache, his sleep and his

dream in which he saw a huge and fearful personality. Then Savitri

continued:

 

" As per the words of Narada, my husband will die today. Hence I

followed him to forest. There he fainted and fell down. Yamadharma

Raja came down to take the lives of my husband. While he was taking

away the lives of my husband, I followed him. I praised him and got

four boons One is to get back the lives of my husband, the second is

to restore your eye sight. The third is to restore your kingdom and

the last is to bless my father with 100 sons . In this way I could

save my husband from death " said Savitri.

 

Dyumatsena praised Savitri with great admiration. Later, the

friends of Dyumatsena arrived and informed him that his enemies

quarrelled among themselves and died. Now the kingdom is waiting for

his rule. Dyumatsena again became the king of Salva Kingdom and

Satyavanta was incornated as Yuva Raja. Savitri enjoyed all kingly

pleasures.

 

Dharmajaa! like Savitri, your wife Droupadi also bring back your

pleasures and riches and kingdom. " said Markandeya.

 

Now Janamejaya asked Saint Vaisampaayana about the story of Indra

taking away Kavacha and Kundala of Karna. Vaisampayana continued to

say.

 

" Pandavas almost completed their 12 years period of Vana Vasa. At

that time, Indra, father of Arjuna, thought that he should do some

help to Pandavas. As long as Karna had Kavaca and Kundala on his

body, Arjuna cannot kill him. Hence he wanted to take away those

Kavaca and Kundala by some means or other.

 

Soorya (sun god) the father of Karna, came to know about this

plan. He came down to Karna in the attire of a Brahmin and told

Karna while he was alone.

 

" Karna! To safeguard your interest and your life I will tell you a

few words. Indra is intending to take away your Kavaca and Kundala.

Those Kavaca and Kundala are immortal. As long as they are attached

to your body, none will kill you. Dont be cheated by Devendra. " said

Sun God.

 

" I do not know who are you. Kindly reveal your identify " asked

Karna.

 

" Karna! I am Soorya, sun god. I got love and affection upon you.

Hence I have come down to caution you " said Soorya.

 

" O Deity Soorya! I worship brahmins and I will give away whatever

they want. If Devendra comes down in the attire of Brahmin and asks

me, I will give away even my life. These Kavaca and Kundala are

nothing before Devendra. If Devendra, in violation of Dharma, comes

down to me in disguise, it will spoil his fame. It will add another

feather in my crown. Nothing is more than name and fame in this

world. It will safeguard us like mother. All woes will encircle a

defamed person. Fulfilling the wishes of Brahmins, killing my mighty

enemies, safeguarding refugees, not killing brahmins, old and

children are my vows. I cannot violate them. Even if Devendra comes

down and asks my Kavaca and Kundala, I will gladlygive them without

any hesitation " said Karna in firm voice.

" OKarna! you are paying deaf ear to the words of your well wishers.

What is the result of getting fame which will cause harm and

hardship to you and your people? First you save your life. If you

are alive, you may get more name and fame. If you are alive, your

wife and children will enjoy the royal pleasures. After death, man

will be reduced to ashes. He cannot perceive his name and fame

after death. You are worshipping me. It is my duty to safeguard your

interests. Besides that, there is a divine secret also which will be

known to you in course of time. Arjuna is your enemy. If Kavaca and

Kundala are on your body, Arjuna can never kill you. Listen my

words " told Soorya.

 

" O Soorya! I am very much thankful to you, for your kind words.

Dont be angry. I cannot violate my self- imposed discipline. Dont

think that I cannot kill Arjuna. I got many Astras and Sastras given

by Parasurama, Drona. They are not ordinary missiles, with the help

of which I will kill Arjuna. Please dont think otherwise. Shower

your blessings upon me " Karna bowed before Surya.

 

" Karna! if you decide to give away your Kavaca and Kundala to

Indra, kindly do one thing. There is one weapon with Indra, called

Sakti. Instead of Kavaca and Kundala, take Sakti from him. It will

kill Arjuna. " so saying, Surya went away.

 

Karna was waiting for the arrival of Devendra.

 

At this juncture, Janamejaya asked saint Vaisampaayana " O Saint!

you told me that there was a divine secret about the birth of Karna.

Kindly tell me " asked Janamejaya. Vaisampaayana continued to say:

 

" Kunti Devi, also called Prudha, was the daughter of King Kunti

Bhoja. Prior to her marriage, one day, saint Doorvaasa visited their

house. Doorvaasa expressed his intention to remain in his house for

some time and asked Kuntibhoja to depute one person who can serve

him obediently.

 

Kuntibhoja deputed his daughtger, Kunti to serve saint Doorvasa.

Kunti was serving saint Doorvaasa with utmost obedience and

devotion.

 

At times, Saint Doorvaasa used to test her. He will say that he will

come early morning but arrives late in the night. Kunti waited for

him late in the night and served him. Some times he will say that he

will come in the evening but arrived much in advance. Kunti, without

giving room for any complaint, served Doorvaasa with utmost

devotion.

 

Saint Doorvaasa was very much satisfied. " Kunti! I am leaving your

house tomorrow. I am very much satisfied with your services. Choose

anything you like. I will bless you " asked Doorvaasa.

 

" Your kind words that you are satisfied with my humble service

itself is sufficient I do not want anything more " replied Kunti

humbly.

 

" No. I will give you something. Ok. Now I will tell you one

Mantra. If you chant this Mantra and invite any divine body, he will

be under your control and bless you. But you should invite that

divine personality while you were alone " so saying Saint Doorvaasa

told her one Mantra and went away.

 

One day, Kunti after taking holy bath, sat at a lonely place. She

intended to test the Mantra given by Saint Doorvaasa. At that

morning hour, sun was coming out on his golden chariot. She fell in

love with him. Kunti chanted Mantra and desired to have a son

resembling Sun God.

 

With the power of that Mantra, Sun God appeared before him in human

form.

 

" O Kunti! I am Sun. With the power of Mantra chanted by you, I have

come. I will do whatever you intended in your mind. " said Sun God.

Kunti was in utter confusion.

 

" Oh Sun God! You have got nothing to be done here. Out of idle

curiosity, I invited you by chanting Mantra. I do not want

anything. Kindly leave this place " prayed Kunti.

 

" Kunti! certainly I will leave this place but only after fulfilling

your desire. Tell me frankly. You desired to have a son through me

with natural Kavacha and Kundala like me. I will fulfill your

desire, if you agree to have intercourse with me. You will beget a

son. Otherwise, your parents will be killed. Besides that, I will

also reduce that Saint Doorvasa to ashes, as he gave that Mantra to

you without knowing about your capacity. Look at the heaven. All the

divine bodies are laughting at me. " said Sun God with anger.

 

" O Sun God! Without the permission of my parents how can I accept

for intercourse with you. Childishly, with an intention to test that

Mantra, I did like this. Kindly excuse me " prayed Kunti. But Sun

God did not agree. Still Kunti tried to convince Sun God.

 

" An unmarried girl, only after marriage in the presence of her

parents, relatives and frineds, will enjoy sensual plealsures with

her husband. But having intercourse with some other person before

marriage is not Dharma. Is it proper on your part, to force me, to

resort to Adharma. You are well aware of every dharma. If you feel

it just and proper to have intercourse with me, without the

knowledge of my parents, you can do as you please. I will bear that

defame. " surrendered Kunti.

 

(Here Sun God enunciated one strange concept which is being adopted

nowadays by the youth under the guise of " love affairs " and it is

being propagated in the writings of great writers and in the movies

also.)

 

" O virgin lady! Your parents or relatives are not fit or proper to

give away yourself in marriage. You are the sole owner of your

body. What is the meaning of " a kanya " (an unmarried girl). One

who can fulfil her own desires either sensually or otherwise,

is " Kanya " . It is your personal affair. Hence, there is nothing

wrong in fulfilling your sensual desires without the knowledge of

your parents or elders. If it is unworthy and adharma, how I can I

propse this. Your virginity or chastity will never be spoiled with

your intercourse with me. You will never be defamed. You will beget

a glorious son through me. " so saying Sun God convinced Kunti and

had an intercourse with her and made her pregnant.

 

Her pregnancy was growing day by day, month my month. The fact that

Kunti was pregnant was known only to her servant maid and none else.

One night, Kunti delivered a male child with natural Kavacha and

Kundala, long hands, strong and shining body. Unable to bear the

defame, Kunti kept that child in a box and kept it on a smallboat

tied it securely and left it in the river Asva. She wept aloud for

mercilessly leaving the child in the river.

 

That boat travelled in the river and entered CharmaNvati river and

from there it entered River Yamuna. At last the box entered River

Ganga. When that box reached Pampa City, one soota called Athiradha,

a friend of King Dhrutarashtra, was bathing in the river along with

his wife Radha. He saw the box. Immediately he sent his men to fetch

the box. He opened the box and found a boy with strong and shining

body with natural Kavacha and kundala. He gave the child tohis wife

Radha

 

" God is great. He blessed us with this child as we are issueless.

This child is not an ordinary child. He might have been born to

divinebodies. We will look after this child as our own son " said

Atiradha.

 

His wife Radha was very happy. She hugged the child with motherly

affection. As the child was having natural ear rings, he was named

as Karna. He was also named as Vasu Sena as he was shining with

golden colour.

 

In that manner, Soorya Putra became Soota putra. Kunti was

enquiring about the welfare of the child from time to time. She came

to know that the child reached a safest place.

 

Karna was growing day by day like the moon in Sukla Paksha. He

joined Dronacarya and Krupacarya for learning archery. He also

approached Parasurama and learnt archery. Later Karna became the

friend of Duryodhana. Because of the friendship with Duryodhana, he

opposed Pandavas and became bitter enemy to them. In that manner,

Indra intended to take away the Kavaca and Kundala from Karna to

safeguard the interests of Pandavas, especially of Arjuna, who is no

other than his son.

 

One day, Indra, in the attire of Brahmin, came down to Karna. At

that time, Karna was worshipping Sun God with great devotion. After

pooja, Karna was giving gold and money to Brahmins.

 

Indra stood before Karna and asked " Bikshaam Dehi " (give me alms).

 

" Choose whatever you want? " asked Karna.

 

" Give me your Kavaca and Kundala " asked Indra.

 

Karna realised that that Brahmin is no other than Indra.

 

" O Brahmin! These Kavaca and Kundala are of no use to you.

Instead, you can ask gold, silvler, money, diamonds etc. " said

Karna.

 

" No I want Kavaca and Kundala " said Indra.

 

" O Brahmin! if you desire, I will give away my Anga Desa. " said

Karna testing Indra.

 

Indra said " No. I want Kavacha and Kundala " .

 

" O Brahmin! I know you are Indra. You are divine bodies and

immortals. We are mortals. We have to worship you for boons. But

you have come down and asking me. What is this? Is it not strange? "

asked Karna.

 

" Karna! Your father, Sun God, might have told everything to you.

Hence you could recognise me. Any how, please give me your Kavacha

and Kundala " asked Indira

 

" If you give your " Sakti " to me, I will give my Kavaca and

Kundala " said Karna

 

" Sure I will gladly give you. But it is useful only once. Generally,

if I use it, it will kill the object and return back to me. In the

same manner, even if you use it, it will kill your enemy and will

return back to me but not to you. So it is useful only once. "

explained Indra.

 

Karna smiled. " Indra, the only enemy of mine is Arjuna. If your

Sakti kills him, it is sufficient. My wish will be fulfilled " said

Karna.

 

" I know your desire. You want to kill Arjuna. As long as Krishna is

by his side, you cannot kill him " said Indra.

 

" Leave it. Killing Arjuna is my affair. If I cut my Kavacha from

my body, my body will be disfigured. What is the remedy for this? "

asked Karna.

 

" You need not worry. Your body will always shine like your father,

Soorya. " said Indra.

 

Then Indra gave his " Sakti " to Karna. In return, Karna cut his body

and part with his Kavacha and Kundala. After receiving them, Indra

went away.

 

On hearing this, Kourvas felt sad and Pandavas were jubilant.

 

Janamejaya, in this manner, Indra took away Kavacha and Kundalas

from Karna " told Vaisampaayana.

 

Vaisampaayana continued to tell the story of Maha Bharat to

Janamejaya.

 

While Pandavas were spending their last year in the forests, one

day, a poor Brahmin came running.

 

" O great men, I hanged my churning stick (AraNi) to the branch of

a tree. One deer came there running. The arani hanging to the branch

tucked to its horns. The deer ran away with the churning stick.

Kindly bring back my churning stick to me " requested Brahmin.

 

Dharmaja and his four brothers, wearing bows and arrows, chased

that deer. But none of the arrows hit the deer. They were tired and

sat under a tree and taking rest.

 

" Brother Dharmaja! we were born in a highest race, learnt all

Dharma Sastras, and we were kind enough towards others. Still, why

we are stricken with all these woes. " asked Nakula.

 

" Nakula! either joy or sorrow in life will happen only due to our

deeds and none else. " said Dharmaja

 

" Nakulaa! on that day when Praatigaami brought Droupadi to Sabha,

had we killed the Kouravas, we would not have been stricken with

all these woes. " said Bheema.

 

" Brother Bheemaa! Not only that, the main reason is that we kept

quiet as cowards and proceeded to forests, without cutting the

toungue of Karna when he maligned us. Had we cut the head of Sakuni

on that day itself, all these would not have happened. " said

Sahadeva.

 

" Nakulaa, for the present, all your brothers are thirsty, find out

whether there is water in the vicinity " asked Dharmaja.

 

Nakula climbed a tree and found a small pond nearby and told the

same to Dharmaja.

 

" You go there, drink, and bring some water for us also " asked

Dharmaja.

 

Nakula went near that pond When he was about to drink water he

heard a voice " This pond is mine. If you want to drink water, you

have to answer my questions " .

 

Nakula did not care for those words, drank the water, came out of

the pond and fell on the ground unconscious.

 

As Nakula did not return for a long time, Dharmana sent Sahadeva to

find out what happened. Sahadeva also went near the pond, and heard

the same voice. " This pond is mine. Dont drink the water without

answering my questions " . Nakula also did not heed those words,

drank water, and fell unconscious.

 

" Arjuna! what happened to your brothers who have gone to fetch

water. Kindly find out " said Dharmaja.

 

Arjuna went near the pond and heard the same voice " If anybody

drinks water in this pond, without answering my questions, he will

become unconscious " .

 

" Who is there? Who are you? Why you are talking invisible? I will

kill you " so saying he released Sabdavedi from his bow. There was no

response; instead the same voice again was heard. Arjuna did not

care those words, entered the pond, drank water and fell down as

usual unconscious.

 

As his three brothers did not return for a long time, Dharmaja was

very much annoyed. He sent Bheema to find out the reason. Bheemaa

also went near the pond, heard the same voice, drank the water and

fell unconscious.

 

Dharmaja could not wait for a long time. He himself went near the

pond. He saw all his four brothers in an unconscious state. He

keenly observed the vicinity. He did not find any other foot prints

except his four brothers and himself. The reason for their

unconscious state is not known. He entertained a doubt whether the

water is poisonous. But there are no such symptoms on their body.

 

Dharmaja entered the pond and touched the water. He heard a voice

from heaven. " O Dharmaja! I am a crane. This pond is mine. Without

heeding my words, your brothers drank the water and fell

unconscious. If you also drink water, you will also meet the same

fate. Therefore first answer my questions and then consume water " .

 

" I do not know whether you are Rudra, Agni or Vayu Otherwise, my

brothers would not have fallen unconscious. Who are you? What is

your intention " asked Dharmaja.

 

" Dharmaja! I am an Yaksha. Your brothers did not care for my words

and fell down " appeared Yaksha in human form.

 

" Anybody who drink water wihout my permission, however high he may

be, he will fell down. You are wise hence you did not consume water.

So, answer my questions. " said Yaksha.

 

" Yaksha! I am too small to answer your questions. Anyhow, I will

answer to the best of my knowledge " humbly answered Dharmaja.

 

Yaksha: Who is running sun god? Who is worshipping sun god? What is

sun-set? What is the basis for sun god?

 

Dharmaja: Brahma is running sun god. Divine bodies are worshipping

sun-god. Sun will set with Dharma. Truth is the basis for Sun

 

Yaksha: How a man will become Srotriya? How a man will attain

miracles? Who will help him? How a man will become wise?

 

Dharmaja: By constant hearing, a man will become Srotriya, that

means, by hearing, chanting and studying Vedas. (Sruta means

hearing). By tapassu a man will attain miracles. His courage will

always help a man. By serving wise and virtuous people, a man will

become wise.

 

Yaksha: How a brahmin will attain divinity? How he will become

humble? How he will become a bad character? How a brahmin will

become a human?

 

Dharmaja: By chanting Vedas, a Brahmin will attain divinity. With

great devotion he will get humbleness. If he loses his character,

he will become bad. When a Brahmin did not observe cleanliness, with

the fear of death, he will become human.

 

Yaksha: Who will be called Jeevanmrutha (one who is considered to

be dead even he is alive).

 

Dharmaja: One who consumes food without offering the same to divine

souls, guests, Pitaras (forefathers), and his servants working under

him, is jeevanmrutha. His life is waste.

 

Yaksha: Which is heavier than earth " ? What is longer than sky? Which

goes faster than wind? Which grows more than grass?

 

Dharmaja: Mother is more heavier than earth. Father is longer than

sky. Mind goes faster than wind. Mental agony grows faster than

grass.

 

Yaksha: Which sleeps opening its eyes? Which does not move even

after birth? Which does not think even though having a form. Which

grows with speed?

 

Dharmaja: Fish sleeps opening its eyes. Egg does not move even after

birth. Stone does not think even it has form. River grows faster by

flowing speedily.

 

Yaksha: Who are the relatives for a traveller, patient, household

and dead.

 

Dharmaja: Co-travellers for a traveller, good doctor for a patient,

virtuous wife for household, the charity done by him while he was

alive, for a dead person, are relatives.

 

Yaksha: On What Dharma depends? What is the basis for fame? What is

the divine path? Which is the source for happiness?

 

Dharmaja: Dharma depends on compassion. Charity is the basis for

fame. Truthfulness is the right path to attain divinity. Virtuous

life is the source for eternal happiness.

 

Yaksha: Whcih is the soul for humanbeing? Who is a divine relative?

Depending on which he lives? From which, humanbeing derives good

qualities?

 

Dharmaja: Son is the soul for human-being. Wife is the godgiven

relative. Human being lives depending on clouds. By charity,

humanbeing derives good qualities.

 

Yaksha: Which is greatest Dharma of all? Which yields complete

results? By leaving which we derive happiness? Friendship with whom

will never spoil?

 

Dharmaja: Non-violence is the greatest dharma. Performing Yajnas and

Yagas yields good results. By leaving egoism and pride, one

derives happiness. Friendship with virtuous people will never spoil.

 

Yaksha: On whom the universe depends? By which food and water

derive? What is poison? Which is the better time for performing

ceremonies for ancestors.

 

Dharmaja: This universe depends on good and virtuous people. From

clouds we derive food and water. Belongings of a brahmin are

equivalent to poison. Whenever Brahmin arrives, ceremony should be

performed.

 

Yaksha: By relinquishing which a person will be praised by one and

all, one will be without sorrow, one will have riches and one will

become happiest person.

 

Dharmaja: By leaving pride and arrogance, one will be praised by one

all. He will never feel sad and sorrow. If one is not a miser, he

willbe the richest person. By leaving greediness, one will become

the happiest person.

 

Yaksha: Who is Purusha? Who is the richest person?

 

Dharmaja: One who gets name and fame is a Purusha. One who feels

equally, the pleasure and sorrow, likes and dislikes, past and

future, he will be the richest person.

 

Yaksha was very much satisfied with the answers given by Dharmaja.

 

" Dharmaja! you satisfied me with your apt and tactful answers. I

want to restore the life of one of your brothers. Choose any one of

your brothers " asked Yaksha.

 

" Please give away the life of Nakula " said Dharmaja.

 

" What? Leaving Bheema and Arjuna, why you have chosen Nakula? "

asked yaksha.

 

" My father had two wives, Kunti and Madri. Myself, Bheema and Arjuna

are the sons through Kunti, and Nakula and Sahadeva are the sons

through Maadri. I am the eldest among the sons of Kunti, and Nakula

is the eldest among the sons of Madri. Hence I have chosen his life,

because it is Dharma " replied Dharmaja.

 

" O Dharmaja! I am very much satisfied with your righteousness. All

your brothers will have rebirth. " blessed Yaksha.

 

All the four brothers of Dharmaja woke up as if from sleep.

 

" O Great Yaksha! you are not an ordinary divine body. Kindly reveal

me who are you? " prayed Dharmaja.

 

" Dharmaja! I am Yamadharma Raja. Your father. I want to see you.

Hence I have come. I am the embodiment of truth, cleanliness,

charity, tapassu, fame and wisdom. By observing the above virtues,

one will never become a bad character. Choose whatever you like? "

asked Yamadharma Raja.

 

" Yama Dharma Raja! a deer has taken away the churning shaft of a

brahmin. Inspite of our best efforts we could not find the deer.

Kindly restore the churning shaft to the brahmin " requested

Dharmaja.

 

" Dharmaja! I am the same deer. Take this churning shaft and restore

it to that Brahmin " Yama returned back the churning shaft.

 

" Dharmaja! all of you completed 12 years of aranya vaasa. The

remaing one year you have to spend unrecognised by your enemies. I

bless you with a boon. In that one year, whatever form you

choose, you will have that form and you will not be recognised by

any one. Choose some other boon I will give you " said Yama dharma

raja.

 

" You are the super divine power. You are before me. What more can I

ask? Kindly bless me that my mind will never transgress the right

path and anger and delusion will never influence me in any manner.

 

Yamadharma accordingly blessed Dharmaja and disappeared.

 

Pandavas returned back to their Ashram and gave back the churning

shaft to the Brahmin and had his blessings.

 

In this manner, Saint Vaisampaayana told Janamejaya the story of

Mahabharat, that Pandavas and Droupadi completed the twelve years of

forest life " told Sooti (the story teller) to Saint Sounaka and

other sages and saints gathered in Naimisaaranya on the occasion of

performing Satra yaaga.

 

Maha Bharat – Aranya Parva – Saptamaasvaasa –

written by Errapraggada –

completed .

 

With this chapter, the entire Aranya Parva

written by Nannayya and Yerana

is completed.

Om tatsat.